Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Centre and States have to walk shoulder to shoulder for development of the country. Addressing the eleventh meeting of the Inter-State Council in New Delhi today, Mr Modi said, development is possible only when the states and Centre work in close coordination. The Prime Minister said better relations between the two will ensure good future for every citizen. He said, more funds have been allocated to the States in 2015-16 compared to 2014-15.

Saying that cooperative federalism is an article of faith for his Government, the Prime Minister said, efforts are being made give 40 thousand crore ruppes, kept in the banks, to the states.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen internal security across the country, Mr Modi said States need to coordinate with each other in this direction. He said sharing of intelligence inputs is must to strengthen internal security.

Speaking about education, Mr Modi said, India's strength is its youth therefore there is a need to provide good environment to the students across the country where they can become more skilled.

Addressing the Inter Council meeting, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, the Government is committed to promote cooperative federalism. Mr Singh said, Centre and States have to play a pivotal role to ensure overall development of the country. He said, there is a need to create healthy competitive atmosphere among the states. He also asked the States to use each others best practices to bring reforms.